Tony Gonzalez

Enterprise Reporter

Tony Gonzalez, a reporter in Nashville since July 2011, covers city news, features inspiring people, and seeks out offbeat stories. He’s also an award-winning juggler and hot chicken advocate who lives in East Nashville with his wife, a professional bookbinder. During his time at The Tennessean newspaper, his investigative reporting and feature stories were honored in the state and nationally. Gonzalez grew up near Chicago and came to Nashville after three years reporting and editing at Virginia's smallest daily newspaper, The News Virginian.

The Metro Council pushed back against Mayor Karl Dean Tuesday night and eliminated funding for the three biggest city projects in his proposed budget. The council had a tense debate and close votes for all three.

For years, Nashvillians have complained about “sidewalks to nowhere” — or having no sidewalks at all. But the city is considering a $25 million sidewalk proposal, the largest amount ever for helping people get around on foot.

Deciding where to put those sidewalks can hinge on a scoring system that almost nobody knows about.

Nashville’s scooter enthusiasts are gathering in the city this weekend and welcoming riders from several neighboring states. And while the rally isn’t the largest in the nation, organizers say they bring a special Nashville spirit to the event — one that welcomes all kinds of scooters.

Metro Nashville employees moved a step closer to receiving a 2.5 percent pay bump on Tuesday night. The Metro Council needs to pass just one more vote on the pay raise.

Several city employees thanked officials for the likely increase. But those employees also used the moment, in front of hundreds at the Metro Courthouse, to raise broader concerns about possible changes to employee benefits.

A controversial proposal to relocate Davidson County’s jail from downtown to southeast Nashville took a pummeling Tuesday night during a public hearing in front of the Metro Council. Dozens of residents who live nearby spoke in opposition.

Supporters outnumbered detractors Tuesday night during a hearing in front of the Metro Council about a proposed flood protection system for downtown Nashville. But some tensions remain over the $100 million plan.